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The Reds rampaged on Saturday and their Senegalese attacker recalled an exchange he had with a fan as he left the field.
Sadio Mane paid tribute to Liverpool fan Lee Swan during the Reds’ 7-0 demolition of Crystal Palace while copying another celebration.
The Reds opened the light of day between themselves and the chasing group in the Premier League with a performance that winger Andy Robertson described as close to perfection.
Mane was a key player at Selhurst Park, scoring the second goal in 35 minutes. He was substituted with more than half an hour left and looked visibly upset with coach Jurgen Klopp’s decision to replace him, but when he left the field, he kept a promise to Swan.
In a video call last month with Food Bank volunteer Swan, Mane asked if the Liverpool fan had a celebration for him to copy.
On the call, Mane said, “You know me, I like to copy celebrations. If you have any celebrations, show me now.” Swan was then seen showing Mane a celebration in which he kissed her finger before pointing to the sky.
Mane arranged for Swan, a volunteer with the Florence Institute, a community center in the city, to take a tour of Anfield.
During the tour, Swan took to the court in an illuminated Anfield and scored a goal, after which he held his celebration.
“I am proud to be a part of Dear Liverpool FC and to be a part of making a difference during these difficult times,” Mane said on the club’s official website. “And it’s an honor to help recognize the work that Lee, Timo (community center leader) and Florrie have been doing.
“Giving Lee the tour was the highlight of the running. He’s a real character and it was a pleasure helping him realize his dream of scoring at Anfield.”
And when Mane left the field at Selhurst Park on Saturday, the Senegalese international kissed his finger and pointed to the sky.
Mane and Liverpool will now look to start over the festive period.
They hold a five point lead over Everton, with Tottenham adrift one more point, and build momentum in their games with West Brom and Newcastle before the end of the year.
The Reds welcome 2021 with a trip to Southampton, before a short break from league action to face Aston Villa in the FA Cup.
